[warden]

I'm settling on my order and this is what my 2011 550i is shaping up to look like:

Dark Graphite Metallic or Space Grey
Oyster and Black Nappa Leather
Manual Transmission

ZSP - Sport Package
ZDH - Dynamic Handling
2VH - Integral Active Steering
ZP2 - Premium Package 2
322 - Comfort Access
465 - Split fold-down rear seats

As you can see, I'm not including much of the non- driving or comfort related whiz-bang technology. I'm just not interested in most of those (e.g., lane departure, auto park, etc.). But the heads-up-display stands out for some reason. However, I'm not sure that I'd ever use it.

So I'd be really interested to hear from folks who have lived with it in other BMWs.

• What is it like in daylight?
• What is it like at night?
• Do you have to activate it each time?
• If so, how often did you find yourself actually turning it on?
• Anything else I didn't think to ask??

Thanks for the input!

[ibimmer954]

One reason I got the HUD is because it differentiates from the 3-series I already have. I ordered pretty much the same set of packages you did, except I added Premium 2. At least with Nav, that shows up on the HUD as well so it's a little more worth it.

I was looking at the 550GT manual about the HUD. With your packages, the only thing the HUD will show you is current speed, cruise speed, and maybe detected speed limit (assuming the car can pick up U.S. signs, not sure). So I can see why it might not be that useful.

But I went ahead and ordered it anyway.

Edit: Oh wait, you said "ZP2" which means you'll have the Nav. Nav directions show up in the HUD as well.

[SleepTight]

HUD with Nav is one of my favorite features. I would never consider buying a BMW without HUD.

[warden]

Originally Posted by SleepTight

HUD with Nav is one of my favorite features. I would never consider buying a BMW without HUD.

Could you explain why that is??

[SleepTight]

Originally Posted by warden

Could you explain why that is??

Let me explain with a picture:



See how easy it is to follow navigation instructions on the HUD without taking your eyes off the road? I usually don't even enable the audible navigation cues which intrude on my listening to music while utilizing the navigation. The HUD tells me the name of the street to turn on, the distance and a visual indicator (bar graph) showing the distance. That information can be displayed in the Navigation system or in the information screen, but then I have to take my eyes off the road.

The HUD in the F10 has been improved significantly and now adds speed limit detection (at least in Europe) and lane change warning if you have the driver assistance package.

[species]

I am very happy with HUD. It is equally visible during the day as during the night. I occassionally have to dim it at night though. I have it on permanently. It is very handy to display your current speed. You can set a preset maximum driving speed, and it alerts you when it has been reached.
Navigation is excellent with HUD, thus minimising focus on the screen. All the other functions such as Lane departure, active cruise with stop and go, Early warning of traffic infront, not putting on your safety belt etc are all displyed.
It is marvellous and a must have.

[pharding]

It is a "must have" option for me. I just ordered my third 5er with it. 2004, 2008, and now 2011.

[enigma01]

Hmm... Why is everyone going gaga over all the gimmicky gadgets that don't add to the driving experience.

If I get the F10, I'll exclude the extra stuff that adds weight and doesn't enhance handling.

The F10 isn't a light car to begin with and we are talking about a few extra pounds here and there, but they do add up. The F10 needs to go on a diet.

[ibimmer954]

... says the guy who listed a "Z4 M coupe" as his car.

It all depends on your priorities. Sure, I love a car that handles nicely and has good power. But for me, the gadgets are a big part of the experience. So I signed up for some of them, including the HUD. I'm willing to add a hundred pounds to the car with Nav system, HUD, and fancier seats because I'm not going to be able to feel the weight difference anyway in the driving.

... says the guy who is currently driving as E93. Which, of course, adds all kinds of weight for the folding top.

[warden]

I'm driving an E92 M3 right now. A couple hundred pounds one way or the other is not going to make a difference. The F10 is going to be a big departure no matter what.

[J-Raid]

I would say Yes if you have the GPS and No if you don't. Simply displaying the speed isn't enough to make it worthy. And this is coming from a guy with aviation HUD background

[ibimmer954]

I've seen the HUD in an E60 M5 before. I though it also listed engine RPM. But from what I see in the online 550 GT manual, I don't think it's there. Oh well. I'll find out in June if the HUD was worth it or not. Either way, it's going to be cool in my book.

[xrayyou]

I've got the HUD in my 08 M5. Honestly, I find it a bit gimmicky and could take it or leave it. It definitely loses some of its coolness factor over time.

And as far as functionality, the nav info is the only useful thing it displays. So ask yourself, how often are you using your nav? Do you travel a lot to unfamiliar areas and use it on a daily basis, then it might make sense. The other info displayed including speed and rpm is really unnecessary, and a duplication of what's already quite readable inches below it on your speedo and tach.

I'm like you and going to exclude the "driver assistance" options on my upcoming F10 535. And I'll probably delete the HUD as well.

And by the way, if you wear polarized sunglasses, you can't see the HUD!!

[warden]

Originally Posted by xrayyou

And by the way, if you wear polarized sunglasses, you can't see the HUD!!

An answer to the question I should have asked. I will not be getting HUD for this reason alone. Thanks so much.

[SleepTight]

Originally Posted by warden

An answer to the question I should have asked. I will not be getting HUD for this reason alone. Thanks so much.

Yep, we should always remember to include that little tidbit of information. Polarized sunglasses =no HUD (actually, you just have to tilt your head to the side to see most of the HUD, but its far from optimal).

[T89]

HUD!


T

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by warden

I'm driving an E92 M3 right now. A couple hundred pounds one way or the other is not going to make a difference. The F10 is going to be a big departure no matter what.

And let me guess... you have the carbon fiber roof?

[warden]

Originally Posted by enigma01

And let me guess... you have the carbon fiber roof?

What in the sentiment expressed in the post of mine you quoted suggests that I went with the CF roof? Or did so to save a couple hundred pounds? Doesn't it in fact point in just the opposite direction? And, in any event, isn't the CF roof question fundamentally different than the HUD question here? HUD is not weight at the heighest point of the car.

Anyhow, the M3 and F10 are totally different cars; apples and oranges. That was my point. Sure, the e92 M3 is certainly a heavy car in it's own right, but it's no 5-series. No CF here.

[enigma01]

Originally Posted by warden

What in the sentiment expressed in the post of mine you quoted suggests that I went with the CF roof? Or did so to save a couple hundred pounds? Doesn't it in fact point in just the opposite direction? And, in any event, isn't the CF roof question fundamentally different than the HUD question here? HUD is not weight at the heighest point of the car.

Anyhow, the M3 and F10 are totally different cars; apples and oranges. That was my point. Sure, the e92 M3 is certainly a heavy car in it's own right, but it's no 5-series. No CF here.

If it wasn't obvious, let me spell it out. Many E9x M3 drivers (maybe not you) brag about how the carbon fiber roof is so much nicer and aids handling of the car because of the weight saving. This is all true. The same drivers, however, load up their M3s with unnecessary options to offset the weight saving many times over. Additionally, I've seen some that complain BMW doesn't offer enough weight-inducing options on the M3.

My point here is that many claim they can't tell 200lb difference (and they should), yet those exact same folks go gaga over anything that resembles carbon fiber in the name of saving weight (e.g. carbon fiber side mirrors). There's a bit of hypocrisy.

I agree that the 5er is a different animal than the M3. However, the 5er is still "supposed" to be a sports sedan worthy of Nurburgring. I don't want to sound a snob, but the BMW customer base has definitely been diluted to those seeking luxo-sedans with hints of sporty characteristics.

[sfbayguy]

QUOTE=enigma01;7100405] I don't want to sound a snob, but the BMW customer base has definitely been diluted to those seeking luxo-sedans with hints of sporty characteristics.[/QUOTE]

Yep, that would be me!

[BMW1986]

Hopefully this HUD will be able to be adjusted via the Settings within the iDrive. In my E60 I had to remove the navigation screen in order to adjust the height!